Navigating the mental health space in India can get intimidating for clients and professionals alike. Given the stigma and lack of information, reaching out to appropriate professionals may seem like a mammoth task in and of itself. For mental health professionals, striking the right balance between autonomy, guidance, fair remuneration, and ethical practice may seem like an endless puzzle.

"Dive straight in, even if you have doubts," this is the advice that helped me muster up the courage to enter the therapy room the first time - both as a client and as a therapist. This is the advice that worked. I had been flirting with the idea of starting something of my own for some time now, I finally fell back upon these words and took the leap again. I introduce to you: Ficar, my newest labour of love and hope. I understand mental health can be scary and confusing. I have gotten familiar with the nerves and anxiety of starting something new, but I'm holding onto faith. If you're reading this and mulling over seeing a therapist, I invite you to make the jump with me. It may seem intimidating, but it really does get easier.

With that said, let me tell you what Ficar is all about -

The Portuguese verb Ficar (pronounced "fee-kaar") implies "to remain/stay" - a gentle nudge to remain in the moment, to locate the self in the present. 

Staying in the moment implies groundedness - a sense of feeling safe and present. Feelings of distress and fear often make our minds wander, making it difficult to root ourselves in the here and now.

Ficar aims to humanise distress and to help individuals regain the feeling of groundedness. We cannot wait to have you on this journey with us.